Abstract
The evolution of public health, from Hippocrates’ environmental observations to modern eco-epidemiology, underscores the intricate connections between human health, ecosystems, and environmental factors. This progression reflects paradigm shifts from the miasma theory to germ theory, incorporating socioeconomic variables and microbiological causes of disease. The One Health concept encourages cooperation to solve zoonotic illnesses and public health issues by highlighting the connections between human, animal, and environmental health. Eco-epidemiology integrates ecological principles with epidemiological data, enabling a comprehensive understanding of multifactorial disease dynamics influenced by genetic, environmental, and societal factors. It emphasizes disease transmission within ecosystems, providing insights into public health threats exacerbated by ecological changes like deforestation, urbanization, and climate change. Historical pandemics and ecological crises have shaped methodologies, emphasizing early detection, communication, and global cooperation. The role of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem balance and its influence on human health is critical, as is understanding how climate change alters disease patterns. Advanced tools such as geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and artificial intelligence (AI) facilitate large-scale data collection, analysis, and predictive modelling, enabling informed public health strategies. Despite challenges like identifying climate-related disease trends and securing research funding, eco-epidemiology offers promising solutions. By integrating ecological insights, advancing technology, and fostering multidisciplinary collaboration, this approach supports effective disease prevention and control. Involving communities and addressing socioeconomic determinants further strengthens public health responses, equipping society to tackle the complex health challenges of the twenty-first century and beyond.